Thermopile information, please ...
![Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)](https://forums.parallax.com/uploads/userpics/612/nMG83RHE7MV61.gif)
Today I was helping a friend diagnose an inoperative propane fireplace insert. One of the things the manual suggests checking is the voltage output from the thermopile. As I understand it, the thermopile monitors the pilot light to make sure it's lit before opening the valve to the main burner. The manual suggests checking for a reading of at least 328 mV. I got 190 mV with my digital voltmeter, which implies that the thermopile needs replacing. But I got to thinking that, if the output impedance of the thermopile is very high, even a digital voltmeter might load it enough to compromise the reading. Does anyone here have experience these beasts? Can I reasonably expect to get a reliable reading with a DVM? I could drag my HP 34401A over there, if that would give a better reading ...
Thanks,
-Phil
Thanks,
-Phil
Comments
Output is not high impedance, so your meter isn't going to load it down.
Here's a procedure you should follow: http://www.mygasfireplacerepair.com/2012/11/15/how-to-test-your-thermopile/
-Phil
-Phil